Mmmm. Can you smell the turkey cooking?
The aroma of a Thanksgiving Day meal being prepared is unique to the season and to the heart. It fills the whole house. There is nothing else like it.
Do you know that God also has a sense of smell?
The Scriptures tell us that shortly after Noah and his family had been saved by the Ark, Noah built an altar and offered the Lord a burned offering. The Bible says, "the Lord smelled a sweet savor," (Gen.8:21).
There are 43 Old Testament references to God's sense of smell and affinity for such offerings. As Noah thanked God for salvation by the ark, so also we should be thankful this year for our salvation in Christ and the countless blessings God has lovingly provided through Him.
When we join hands in prayer around the table and thank God for being the center-piece of our lives, it won't be the aroma of the turkey God will take in. It will be the quality of time we spend with Him in prayer. It will be the sincerity of our heart as we count our blessings.
As we invite our friends and friends and family to the table let us not forget to invite God as well. He stands at the door and knocks. He says if we will open the door, He will come in and sup with us and we with Him. With this in mind remember what makes a great meal: It is not what we eat but with whom we eat.
Let's be like Noah and his family this year. Build your very own altar to God --that is, create some time between the TV and the turkey---and the TV again, to offer God your very own Thanksgiving. Dare to be different. Make a unique effort to draw close to God.
Why not, after all? Surely we know that it isn't the food that brings us together--although it is nice. Nor is it the occasion of a sleepy football game on television or the Thanksgiving Day parade. Friends and family congregate each year to remember God and His benevolence.
He remembered us.
We should remember Him.
I can hear God in Heaven, can't you? "Mmm," He is saying. "Can you smell the prayer offering cooking?"
Sharon and I would like to wish you and your family the best.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
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